Director of Marketing & Communications
Epiphany School - Seattle, Washington, us, 98127Work at Epiphany School
Overview
- Apply
Overview
Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school mission is to challenge and support all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment. We strive to inspire every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning and actively cultivate an awareness and respect for diversity in all forms. We aim to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values:
Respect:
We encourage empathy through the strength of our differences, awareness of our global surroundings, and adherence to high standards of conduct.
Responsibility:
We build integrity and trust by understanding our choices and owning our actions.
Resourcefulness:
We foster resilience and expect all to search and find, to fail and learn, to risk and succeed in a changing world.
With over 260 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle's Madrona neighborhood.
Epiphany School Diversity Statement:
Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society.
Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all its programs and services.
Epiphany School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, physical, mental, or sensory disability, military status, genetic information, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Epiphany School complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@epiphanyschool.org.
About the role
The Director of Marketing and Communications is a senior-level position that leads and is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing all areas of marketing, communications, advertising, and media for Epiphany School, including: branding and messaging; print and digital marketing/advertising; producing videos, an annual school magazine, and weekly newsletters; creating marketing materials for the admissions and development teams; and overseeing media relations, social media, and the school website, including search engine optimization. This role oversees and develops relationships with internal and external communities that contribute to the school's success. This role also supports and participates in special and school-sponsored events and activities with the Advancement team. This role collaborates closely with all departments across the school.
The individual who will be successful in this role will demonstrate a commitment to Epiphany School values, has previously served in a leadership capacity, brings strong collaboration, communication, and story-telling skills, understands how to build and maintain brand identity, has an ability to pivot from strategic to tactical thinking, is well-versed in marketing and communications platforms, optimization, and apps commonly used in school settings, and delights in working with elementary-aged children. Previous experience in a school setting is preferred but not required.
This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position, reporting to the Head of School. This role serves as one of eight school leadership team members and currently manages vendor and consultant relationships and may manage a direct report in the future.
Location:
The person in this role must work in-person on the school campus in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Epiphany School does not cover or reimburse relocation costs and/or expenses.
Standard work hours are typically Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. Staff meetings may run through 5:00pm on Wednesdays (dates will be communicated ahead of time).
Working from home is permitted occasionally after the 90-day probationary period.
What you'll do
Primary Director of Marketing & Communications Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy for a wide range of audiences, both internally and externally, that integrates with the school's strategic plan.Lead branding and messaging initiatives to enhance the school's image and visibility in Seattle and beyond.Participate in the design, planning, and execution of school events representing the school's brand and image.Write and review all key correspondence, to internal and/or external groups, so that content is current, clear, digestible, centers the school's brand identity, and uplifts its programs and people.Communications may include:press releasestalking pointsspeechespresentationsemergency preparedness and/or crisis communicationsOversee the creation and implementation of marketing plans and production of promotional materials to support admissions and development goals, including school events, through collaboration with the advancement team and vendors.Demonstrate a collaborative leadership approach that is aligned with the school's mission and values.Support and train all faculty and staff assigned to post content to the website, reviewing and editing content as needed to ensure seamless messaging.Work with faculty, staff, students, and families to identify and tell compelling stories that reflect the school's values and mission.Develop and manage an annual marketing budget to meet the marketing and communication needs defined in the plan.Commission/conduct ongoing market research and perform market data analysis to determine the school's position in the marketplace and value proposition.Monitor the competitive environment and independent school consumer trends to inform and guide messaging.Develop and maintain relationships with media contacts.Serve as an ambassador for the school at community events and functions.Promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through marketing and communications efforts.
Marketing & Communications Implementation
Create and produce all Epiphany School print and digital marketing campaigns including direct mail and e-publications to market the school internally and externally. Materials and platforms include:Annual impact reports, yearbooks, and school magazine issuesWeekly email newsletters to families and faculty/staffEvent marketing materials including brochures and flyersSocial media campaigns following a regular cadenceWrite and ghostwrite communications pieces for the public and school community, in conformance with the specific need and the communications plan program.Maintain a master calendar of events, distribution of marketing pieces, and key communication dates with input from school leadership and the Advancement team.Work with event planning teams and Epiphany Parent Council leadership to develop a marketing and communication plan for each unique school event and implement those plans on the timeline prescribed.Manage the social media presence and adapt the SM strategy, based on analysis of follower growth, reach, and engagement statistical trends, to meet SM goals.Determine location, frequency, and the effective use of print and digital advertising; oversee the design and placement of ads.Know and use the school's data and content systems (i.e., Blackbaud, Finalsite, Connect, Epiphany School app) routinely for marketing, communication, and event purposes.Manage and catalog the school's photographs, in accordance with school policies and procedures.Take photos at events and catalog them, for use in marketing and communication materials.Refresh the website content and photos regularly.
Expectations For All at Epiphany School:
Contribute to a learning environment based on Epiphany School's three Rs and three Cs: respect, resourcefulness, responsibility, curiosity, confidence, and courage.Use Responsive Classroom approach as a social-emotional learning framework for working with students.Provide recess supervision, arrival, dismissal, and/or front desk coverage as scheduledParticipate in the school community, including professional development/learning, service learning, and community events.Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by their supervisor.Typical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, media, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience required.A minimum of 7+ years of marketing, communications, public relations, and/or media experience required, preferably in an educational setting.A minimum of 3+ years of experience leading teams and/or managing vendors preferred.Proven experience in strategic planning and execution of marketing and communications initiatives.Ability to curate, write, assemble, and distribute compelling stories that highlight school programs, achievements, and a range of community members including students, families, faculty, and staffAbility to coach and guide others in telling their stories.Strong writing and copy-editing skills in the English language with a high level of attention to detail required.Excellent and clear communication skills in the English language in all forms (i.e., oral, written, and presentational).Demonstrated project management skills and an ability to work against competing priorities and deadlines.Must have excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.Ability to pivot quickly to handle changing circumstances and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people is required.Must possess a professional attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality.Proficiency in Microsoft environment, website CMSs, databases, social media platforms, content management, or any combination required.Proficiency in graphic design and familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a plus.Commitment to model and promote school values required.Proven ability to prepare and manage budgets required.Valid CPR/First Aid certification (not required at time of application - new hires will have time to complete if needed).Compensation & Benefits:
The salary range for this role is between $110,000 - $125,000 based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with our school's Administrator pay scale. When determining an initial offer, we carefully consider these factors.
Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
Benefits stipend to put towards employee benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary employee, spousal, and child life and critical illness insurance, accident insurance, voluntary short-term disability, and flexible health savings accountsEmployer-paid monthly premiums for employee assistance program and long-term disability coverage403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution12 paid holidays6 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of sick leavePaid supplemental parental leave after 12 months of employmentProfessional development budget
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our Employee Portal.
The priority review deadline for applications will be June 23, 2024 , but applications will be received until the position is filled.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Sates and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Final offers will be contingent on the successful completion of a background, education, and employment check.